3.3 DS Computing Devices

Computers

Electronic device that manipulates information and data, has the ability to process algorithms. Take input, process it, store information, and output the results

Hardware

The physical part of a computer, include internal and external parts. Includes input devices such as keyboard and touchscreen, CPU, RAM, monitor

Software

A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do

Embedded Computers

Designed to perform specific functions or tasks. Specialized compouter systems that are embedded into other devices

Ex. GPS, ATM, microwave ovens, SMARTPHONES (part of larger monile communicating system)

Personal Computers

Computers that are designed for individual use

Ex. Computers in the room

Embedded systems

The combination of a computer’s hardware and software designed for a specific function, may function within a larger system

Mainframes

High-performanced large scale computers designed to handle massive amounts of data processing and storage

Server

Computer that answers requests from a network. Mainframes can be servers, but not all servers can be mainframes, as mainframe handles more difficult things

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Digest data and tells parts what to do

CPU Core

How many processing units are reading and executing program instructions

Cache memory

CPU’s built in RAM to help access the actual RAM to run faster (reduce cost of time or energy)

CPU Threads

The tasks that the CPU executes, powered by cores. Each core has two threads (essentially allows the core to complete two tasks)

Used for video editing, programming, 3D rendering

Clock speeds

The number of pulses the CPU clock generates per second, how many instructions the CPU can process

Motherboard

All parts of a computer system communicate through a circuit board, connects all parts together

All has a specific chipset for CPU and sockets

Different sizes and compatibility of PCle including GPU, RAM, SATA ports

Graphics Processing Unit

All PCs use GPU to render images, videos, animations for display

Have their own VRAM (video RAM) so it doesn’t use the PC’s RAM to do graphics calculations (grapics wont show if low quality monitor)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM stores data for frequently accessed programs

Web browsers, Fimder Folders, all the applications that you open

Computer becomes slow for too many apps

Storage (SSD or HDD)

All computers need to store data to stay permanently on the computer

HDD: Actual disk onto which data is stored, read by a mechanical arm (Hard Disk Drive)

SSD: Have no moving parts and are faster than a hard drive, no time for a mechanical arm to find data on a physical lication on the disk (solid state drive)

HDD are cheaper than SSD

Voltage difference

Wall outlets in different countries might not work as there is a voltage difference between them

PC Power supplies (the brick)

The power supply converts AC (alternating current) to DS (direct current) and supply the computer and its components with the required electric voltage to operate

Lithium-ion Batteries

Tiny containers filled with chemicals that can create a flow of electricity. When connected to the device, the chemicals inside start to move from the negative elctrode to the positive electrode through the electrolyte. Create a flow of electrons, which is electricity.

When charging, the flow of chemicals get reversed and stores energy in the battery.

Electrolytes can explode

Software

A collection of progranms, data, and instructions that enables a computer system to perform specific tasks and operations

Operating system

Software program that acts as an intermediary between a user and comptuer hardware

Provides user interface, enables the execution of software applications

Create platform for running programs and managing files and processes

Microprocessor

Small processing unit inside a CPU, forms various arithmetic and logic functions on digital signals

Only for one specific task

Transistor

Regulates or controls current or voltage flow in addition amplifying and generating these electrical signals and acting as a switch/gate for them

UX

Refers to how a person feels and interacts with a product or system

Focuses on improving usability, accessibility, and overall enjoyment

UI

Refer to the visual elements and interactive features of a product that facilitate the user’s interaction

Focuses on visually appealing and intuitive interfaces

Utility Software

Type of software designed to perform specific tasks to enhance the performance, maintenance, and management of a computer system

Antivirus software, file compression (zip)

Application Software

Type of computer software designed to perform specific tasks for users

Word processors, email clients, games

Open-source software

Software that is freely availabe to the public and allows users to view, modify and distribute its source code

Encourages transparency, coaboration and customization

Linux operation system, firefox web browser, GIMP

Proprietary software

Software that is privately owned and distributed by a specific company or individual

Users typically need to purchase a license to use the software

Malware

Dangerous software, trojan horses, wibsites/links that can steal your IP address and info

Malware is umbrella for any type of malicious software

Virus is specific by self-replicates and insert code into other programs

Moore’s Law

The number of transistors on a microchip doubles about every two years with a minimal cost increase